Chapter 412: As Always (Ten Thousand Characters)

"Zi Yan, are you going to enter the arena?" Xiao Yan turned to look at Zi Yan and asked with a smile.

Zi Yan gave Xiao Yan a blank, exasperated look and said, "I'm not doing it. What's fun about kids playing around? You'd better get the Pavilion Master of the North Pavilion to fight."

Hearing Zi Yan name him, Fei Tian's eyes flickered with dark malice—how dare this little girl look down on him, the Pavilion Master of the North Pavilion?! He was an Eight-Star Dou Zong, while Zi Yan was merely a Three-Star Dou Zong, yet she treated him as if he were nothing!

"Hmph." Fei Tian let out a cold snort.

Xiao Yan smiled and looked at Fei Tian. "Pavilion Master, cultivation realm doesn't represent everything."

Tang Ying's eyes narrowed—Xiao Yan had used his own words to counter Fei Tian, subtly slapping his face, as if to say: who says you can't fight above your level?

Lei Zunzhe slowly rose to his feet, casting a deep glance at the boy-like Heavenly Flame Zunzhe beside Xiao Yan. For Dou Zun like him, only another Dou Zun was truly worthy of his attention.

"Since everyone has arrived, today is the perfect day for my Fenglei Pavilion to host the Four Directions Pavilion Assembly. Thank you all for coming to Lei Mountain to support us. But as you all know our pavilion's rules, I hope no disturbances occur during the assembly."

Lei Zunzhe's voice, calm yet thunderous, echoed across the entire Lei Mountain, carrying a faint aura of thunder that made those of weaker cultivation tremble involuntarily.

Lei Zunzhe's words carried an air of tyranny, like thunder itself—fierce and brooking no opposition. Though the tone was harsh, no one dared speak against him, given his terrifying power; the might of a Dou Zun was truly extraordinary.

After a long look at Xiao Yan and seeing no dissent from the Yan Alliance, Lei Zunzhe gave a slight nod, waved his hand, and the clear chime of a bell rang out once more.

"This year's Four Directions Pavilion Assembly has fifty-four participants, including the four disciples of the Four Pavilions. As always, we begin with a free-for-all, continuing until only eight remain. All competitors, enter the arena."

As Lei Zunzhe spoke, a chorus of wind-splitting sounds erupted across the Guang Chang, and dozens of young figures flashed into the arena, scattering across its edges, all on guard.

Their entrance instantly ignited the atmosphere—these were young geniuses from families and sects across Zhong Zhou.

Yet none among them surpassed Eight-Star Demonic Realm; not a single one had reached Dou Zong.

Indeed, a Dou Huang at twenty was common, but a Dou Zong at thirty was rare. Even geniuses had their tiers—once one reached Dou Huang, talent gaps widened, let alone breaking into Dou Zong.

Deafening cheers surged like a tidal wave across the mountaintop, roaring skyward and even stirring the distant storm clouds.

To Xiao Yan's surprise, Lin Yan, whom he had known in the Jia Nan Academy's Inner Court, was among the fifty-four—and waved at him.

Xiao Yan guessed Lin Yan had encountered some fortune in recent years—he'd already reached Dou Huang, albeit low-tier, yet his progress was far from slow.

"Go. Don't disgrace the sword path of the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion," said Jian Zunzhe softly.

Tang Ying nodded and floated gracefully into the arena.

"I heard you once fought Nalan Yanran?" asked Huangquan Zunzhe.

Wang Chen sneered. "If not for Xiao Yan, Nalan Yanran wouldn't have survived three moves. Even now that she's reached Dou Zong, she's still my defeated opponent."

Wang Chen sneered again—he deeply resented Xiao Yan's arrogance—and, after receiving his master's nod, flew into the arena.

Feng Zunzhe, however, glanced at Xiao Yan. For some reason, he always felt a strange familiarity about him.

"Master, I'll be back soon," Mu Qingluan said softly, echoing Feng Zunzhe's calm demeanor.

"Mm. Go test yourself. Don't obsess over victory or defeat," Feng Zunzhe waved gently.

As competitors entered, Mu Qingluan, Tang Ying, and Wang Chen on their seats rose and drifted lightly into the Guang Chang. The moment they entered, a circle of empty space formed around them—everyone knew their strength and wouldn't dare approach.

At this moment, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged atop the forehead of the Youhai Jiao Beast and said coolly to Nalan Yanran, "Don't get knocked out in the first round."

Nalan Yanran ignored Xiao Yan, turned away, clutched the Yun Sha Black Sword, and entered the arena. She too wanted to know how far she stood from Zhong Zhou's geniuses when their cultivation was equal.

"Young Master Yan, please wait a moment for Qing Lin," Qing Lin bowed slightly and smiled at Xiao Yan.

Though Qing Lin's nature disliked public exposure, since Xiao Yan had spoken, she would take the victory of this assembly.

"Mm. Remember to hold back—don't kill anyone," Xiao Yan had no doubt about Qing Lin's strength.

In raw combat power and potential, Zi Yan struggled even against the bizarre Qi San Hua Tong and countless Snake Slaves, even with Ancient Dragon power.

But Qing Lin had always been indifferent, preferring not to fight—otherwise, Qi San Hua Tong might have become legendary across the outer reaches of Zhong Zhou.

Seeing Qing Lin enter, even Lei Zunzhe's gaze grew serious. The former Green-Eyed Snake Sage had possessed Qi San Hua Tong.

At his side, the Pavilion Master of the South Pavilion, Lei Po, whispered, "Venerable, I suggest we inform the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Race of the Qi San Hua Tong's appearance. I believe they won't want it to grow stronger."

Hearing this, Lei Zunzhe's eyes flickered with unusual interest, and he smiled and nodded.

Qi San Hua Tong's ability to control the Snake Race was too powerful—how could the Snake Race's supreme rulers, the Nine Underworld Earth Snakes, not be wary?

"Li!" As Qing Lin entered, a clear crane cry suddenly pierced the sky. A seven-colored giant crane soared down from the mountaintop; atop it, a graceful figure tapped her toe and glided down, landing silently in the Guang Chang.

The figure was Feng Qing'er'er—her noble aura was unmatched.

Feng Qing'er'er's entrance instantly raised the crowd's excitement—everyone knew that, excluding the Yan Alliance, she had the highest win probability in this assembly.

Even now, Tang Ying and the others were barely into Dou Zong, yet Feng Qing'er'er's spiritual pressure radiated as a One-Star Peak Dou Zong!

"This girl really has reason to be arrogant—her cultivation speed isn't slow," Xiao Yan said, watching Feng Qing'er'er. He'd briefly fought her months ago, and now she'd reached One-Star Peak Dou Zong, nearing Two-Star.

"This person…" Zi Yan frowned, staring at Feng Qing'er'er.

"What's wrong?" Xiao Yan asked.

"I don't know. Something feels off. Her body is shielded by a treasure—I can't see her true form. It just feels… strange. Can't explain it." Zi Yan shook her head.

Xiao Yan could tell Feng Qing'er'er was a beast, but her exact species was obscured by a barrier.

Sensing Xiao Yan's scrutiny, Feng Qing'er'er looked toward him atop the Youhai Jiao Beast. Their gazes met—immediately, tension crackled thickly.

Xiao Yan's theft of the Three Thousand Thundering Steps was common knowledge.

Though called a free-for-all to select eight, in truth only two would be chosen—because the Four Pavilion disciples, Nalan Yanran, and Qing Lin were all Dou Zong; no one would dare attack them.

Thus, six of the eight spots were already locked.

To spectators, the free-for-all seemed thrilling—each fighter displayed unique Dou Techniques and Body Techniques, dazzling the eye. But to someone like Xiao Yan, it was dull.

Xiao Yan simply pulled out some Medicinal Materials and Ancient Texts to study, deepening his knowledge of herbs.

Soon, the so-called free-for-all selected the eight strongest: besides the Four Pavilion disciples and Yan Alliance, two geniuses from family factions—both Eight-Star Demonic Realm—made it. Lin Yan, a reckless newcomer, was naturally defeated and eliminated.

No one found this result surprising—everyone understood the two chosen were merely cannon fodder; the real drama lay with the Four Pavilions and Yan Alliance—more precisely, Yan Alliance versus Fenglei Pavilion.

"The remaining eight need not draw lots. Choose your own opponents. If multiple opponents target you, the targeted may counter-select," Lei Zunzhe waved his hand. This assembly required no runner-up or third place—only the strongest.

The Four Directions Pavilion Assembly was originally held by the Four Pavilions to gauge the strength gaps among their own disciples.

"This will be exciting—who do you think the Yan Alliance pair will choose?"

"Hard to say. Nalan Yanran is strong, but her opponents are those four. As for the girl with the green hair… no one's heard much about her."

I know this—word has it that the woman with blue hair was once the Holy Maiden of the Sky Serpent Mansion, and that she possesses the legendary Qi San Hua Tong!

Qi San Hua Tong!!

Before long, the news that Qing Lin possessed the Qi San Hua Tong spread unnoticed, sparking a wave of heated discussion.

Yet another astonishing scene, utterly unexpected by all, shocked the entire arena.

Zing! A sword's chime rang out; several figures in the arena showed surprise—including Tang Ying and Wang Chen—since both had assumed they would be chosen by that person.

At this moment, Feng Qing'er'er fixed her beautiful eyes ahead, her lips slowly curving into a faint smile, faintly revealing coldness and pride; few in this world dared point a sword at her.

Even Qing Lin beside her was slightly surprised—could Nalan Yanran really be challenging Feng Qing'er'er???

"Interesting. I thought the woman would challenge Tang Ying or Wang Chen." The Sword Master smiled faintly. If Nalan Yanran challenged Tang Ying, who also wielded a sword, that would be normal; challenging Wang Chen, whom she had fought before, was understandable—but challenging Feng Qing'er'er was strange.

Because everyone assumed Qing Lin would challenge Feng Qing'er'er!

Nalan Yanran herself didn't know why, but she felt she had to challenge her!

But!!! Something utterly unforeseen happened again!!!

"Xiao Yan, dare you come down and fight!" Feng Qing'er'er looked up at Xiao Yan, her voice carrying Dou Qi throughout the entire East Pavilion!

!!!!!!!!

In an instant, the entire arena fell into stunned silence—even Mu Qingluan and others stared in shock. Xiao Yan hadn't even left the stage! And Xiao Yan is a Third-Star Dou Zong—you dare challenge him?!

Immediately, the three Masters wore expressions of amusement. No one expected the conflict between the Yan Alliance and the Wind Thunder Pavilion to escalate so quickly!

Nalan Yanran of the Yan Alliance first challenged Feng Qing'er'er, and Feng Qing'er'er, instead of accepting, openly challenged Xiao Yan—who hadn't even stepped down!

Feng Qing'er'er sneered, completely ignoring Nalan Yanran, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan: "You stole the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body from my Wind Thunder Pavilion. Today, I will reclaim our Body Technique!"

At this moment, every eye turned to Xiao Yan, seated cross-legged atop the Deep Sea Wyrm. All fell silent, waiting to see how Xiao Yan would respond.

After all, Xiao Yan had indeed stolen the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body, and now the Yan Alliance had the audacity to enter Thunder Mountain openly. Everyone had assumed the conflict between Yan Alliance and Wind Thunder Pavilion would erupt only after the assembly—perhaps even triggering a Dou Zun battle.

Yet before the assembly had even ended, the tension was already this thick!

"Hey, this girl wants to challenge you—I sense it's not that simple." Hai Bodong glanced at Xiao Yan with mild interest. He felt Feng Qing'er'er's motives went beyond the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body.

With a snap, Xiao Yan closed the ancient book, his dark eyes slowly turning toward Feng Qing'er'er, studying her carefully.

Feng Qing'er'er indeed possessed an innate noble bearing: her voluptuous, curvaceous frame, violet irises radiating regality, her hair bound like the wings of a phoenix.

Of course, compared to Xun Er, Feng Qing'er'er was a wild chicken next to a phoenix—no comparison at all.

"Brilliant. She actually picked the right opponent." The Heavenly Flame Master couldn't help laughing.

He knew Xiao Yan's strength—if Xiao Yan truly unleashed his full power, even an ordinary Dou Zun might suffer grievous defeat, and could even perish.

Xiao Yan hadn't stepped down simply because he saw no need—he'd anticipated that the Wind Thunder Pavilion would use the theft of the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body as leverage once the assembly ended. Then he'd demand "compensation" from the Thunder Master.

Xiao Yan slowly rose, looking down at Feng Qing'er'er, then glancing at Nalan Yanran with a strange expression. How many years had it been since someone his age dared challenge him? It seemed only two had ever done so.

Back then, Nalan Yanran had said almost the same thing.

Of course, monster age reckoning operates on a different system.

"I have no problem accepting your challenge. But the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body was bought with my own gold and silver, cultivated through hard work. If I lose, you strip my meridians and ban me from using it. But if I win, what do I get?" Xiao Yan looked at Feng Qing'er'er. If he won, he needed something in return.

"Hmph. The Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body is ours by right," Fei Tian snorted coldly.

Xiao Yan shrugged. "I don't care whose it is. I didn't steal it. If you couldn't guard it, whose fault is that?"

Xiao Yan waved his hand, uninterested in further verbal sparring with the Wind Thunder Pavilion. He turned to Feng Qing'er'er: "Here's my proposal. I've heard the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body is the foundational Body Technique of your Wind Thunder Pavilion's ultimate secret—the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body. If I lose, you decide everything. If I win, I take the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body."

The moment Xiao Yan spoke, even the Thunder Master's eyes darkened. The Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body was an absolute secret. That's why the Wind Thunder Pavilion was so obsessed with guarding the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body—to protect the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body.

Seeing the Thunder Master's dark expression, Xiao Yan shrugged helplessly: "Fine, if you won't agree, then no matter. I'm standing right here. If your Wind Thunder Pavilion wants total war, the Yan Alliance accepts!"

On a small hill in the Wind Thunder Mountain Range, Xiao Yixian calmly studied books on basic Alchemy techniques. The moment Xiao Yan finished speaking, she slowly closed the book, her beautiful eyes gazing calmly toward the distant Thunder Mountain.

If the Wind Thunder Pavilion acted dishonorably, she would help the Thunder Master become a dignified man.

In an instant, the entire Thunder Mountain fell into deathly silence—even the other three Masters exchanged glances. If the Yan Alliance truly plunged into all-out war with the Wind Thunder Pavilion, the consequences would be enormous—the entire North Domain would be thrown into chaos, like a world war!

A Dou Zun battle was inevitable!

"Fine!" Feng Qing'er'er didn't even blink before agreeing.

That single "Fine" left Xiao Yan momentarily speechless. Was he being underestimated again?! Did she truly believe he'd risen through pills alone?

Though it was true Xiao Yan had used Elixirs to boost his Cultivation Realm, he'd always been extremely cautious during each ascent, and with the Burning Scripture, his Dou Qi was astonishingly pure and thick.

Moreover, Xiao Yan's Cultivation Realm was higher than Feng Qing'er'er's!

Of course, Feng Qing'er'er knew none of this.

Xiao Yan shrugged. Since she was offering him the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body, what could he do but accept?

Xiao Yan stepped on Space and instantly appeared on the arena floor.

Seeing Xiao Yan appear, Feng Qing'er'er used Soul Resonance: "Xiao Yan, if you lose, you needn't have your meridians severed—if you swear allegiance to my clan and become our Alchemist, I'll even give you the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body."

Xiao Yan froze, startled as he stared at Feng Qing'er'er. So that's it—this girl was after his Alchemy skills.

Her calculations were so loud, even Xun Er in the Gu Clan could hear them.

"Sigh. The last time I was underestimated was ten years ago." Xiao Yan glanced at Nalan Yanran beside him, then a mischievous thought struck him. He slowly extended one finger: "One move. If you can withstand even one of my moves, you win."

The moment Xiao Yan spoke, the entire arena was stunned—even the Four Masters sat speechless.

Are you insane?!

One move!

Nalan Yanran first froze, then her face flushed crimson, her teeth clenched—she looked almost adorable. She now wanted to rush forward and cut Xiao Yan down.

This joke will never die, will it?!

You'd better believe you can defeat me with one move—not just mock me!

At that moment, five Heavenly Flames emerged within Xiao Yan's body, slowly taking the forms of five beast spirits!!

Day Eight

(End of Chapter)